If you’ve never visited Branson, Missouri, you might have heard it’s for an older generation. Having visited Branson several times, I discovered how many kid-friendly activities are available. It’s a Winter Wonderland for grandparents and parents indulging in some multigenerational travel or parents wanting a fun break with their kids. During my time in Branson, I talked to several people who said their grandchildren asked them to bring them to Branson every year. We compared notes on favorite places and discovered there’s something for every age, from infants to “kids at heart.” Here are 10 Kid-Friendly ways to Celebrate an Ozark Mountain Christmas that will delight the entire family.
We attended a media event sponsored by the Stone Castle hotel and several Branson attractions, which provided attraction tickets, food, and lodging. As always, all opinions are my own.
10 Kid-Friendly Ways To Spend Christmas in Branson, Mo
1. Spend a day at Silver Dollar City. Sure, there are plenty of rides, but you’ll be amazed at all of the Christmas activities they’ve included in the price of a ticket. You’ll find everything from carriage rides, a world-class production of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, and special Christmas food. Once the sunsets, the magic really begins! You’ll find a Christmas parade with Santa, Rudolph, and more favorite characters, and a light show at the 5 story Christmas tree in the Marketplace. Check out our guide to Planning your visit to a Silver Dollar City Christmas here.
2. See trick-riding at the Dolly Parton Stampede. The North Pole and the South Pole are having a contest and you’re invited. This special Christmas show has everything from horseback riders performing daring stunts to cute dog tricks. In between, there’s singing and comedy that will delight children and adults. Oh, and did I mention the dinner? You won’t have to worry about keeping the kids occupied during the meal. Everyone has a complete meal from soup to dessert while watching the show.
3. Catch the view from the top of the Branson Ferris Wheel. Once located at the Chicago Pier, this Ferris wheel was lovingly dismantled and brought to Branson to be reassembled. You can see sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and the city from the top of the wheel. Visit in the evening to see the nightly light show.
Don’t miss the view from the top of the Ferris Wheel.
4. Take a Visit to The Tracks Family Fun Park. Located beside the Branson Ferris Wheel, the Tracks has activities for people who want adventure, like go-cart rides and laser tag, to more sedate activities like mini-golf and arcades. The Tracks have 3 locations around Branson, but one is located beside the Branson Ferris wheel so you can participate in both with only one trip.
5. See the talented kids at the Hughes Brother’s Music Show. This show is truly a family affair. While the show is billed as the Hughes Brothers, it really stars almost everyone in their family, from their wives to their kids. The kids start performing at a young age or “as soon as their mothers are comfortable with them being on the stage,” one of the kids told me. You’ll be amazed by their amazing voices, dancing skills, and musical ability.
6. Have a concrete at Andy’s Frozen Custard. Located beside the Branson Tracks, Andy’s Frozen Custard is famous for their “concretes,” a concoction that’s similar to a Dairy Queen Blizzard in that you can turn it upside down as soon as you receive it and it won’t fall out of the container. Yes, it’s that thick! You can purchase special seasonal flavors like the Pumpkin Pie Concrete beginning in late October and the Candy Cane Concrete and the Andy Nog Concrete beginning in late November.
7. See an IMAX Movie. Even if it’s a blustery day outside, there’s no need to skimp on fun. The IMAX complex is a great place to spend the day. It’s filled with cute shops, some fun restaurants, and, of course, the IMAX theater. With a selection of 3 different movies you can find new releases, an educational release, and a “classic release that’s back on the big screen,” you’ll be able to find something the entire family can agree on watching.
See over 6 million Christmas lights at Silver Dollar City.
8. Try the “Round Table” at McFarlain’s Family Restaurant. Located inside the IMAX complex, McFarlain’s is known for its menu items like fried green tomatoes. They are also known for “the round table.” I won’t give away the secret, but know that it’s a funny experience and a great joke to play on first-time visitors. There are four of these tables scattered throughout the restaurant so if you aren’t lucky enough to get one, ask the staff to allow you to sit near the table so you can see the experience.
9. Have lunch at Pasghetti’s. This locally owned and operated family style restaurant will whisk you back in time with its charming decor. There are seven dining rooms, each with a different theme. You won’t have any trouble locating this restaurant. The decor outside features the World’s Largest Fork and Meatball. It’s even been featured in an episode of Storage Wars. Try their signature dish, the Pasghetti and Meatball. It features a 5-ounce meatball along with housemade marinara sauce and comes complete with a freshly made breadstick.
10. Watch the Sunset at Table Rock Lake. Want to enjoy peace and tranquility? Venture over to Table Rock Lake to watch the sunset (or, if you’re an early bird, the sunrise.) The sun setting over the water is a perfect backdrop for a family picnic too. Arrive early in the day to take advantage of activities around the lake, including a hike along the 2.25 mile Table Rock Lakeshore Trail. It’s an easy hike with a well-maintained path that can accommodate strollers or wheelchairs.
. Have you visited Branson, Missouri during the Christmas season? What are your favorite activities to do with the kids? I’d love to hear about the activities that your family enjoys.
This place looks like lot of fun activities of kids, I would like to take my kids there. They will enjoy .Family park and wheel sounds to be amazing.
All of these activities seem like so much fun! I love the idea of going to the Dolly Parton Stampede.
The holidays are made for kids! Branson looks like a place that really puts Christmas on full display for the kids.
I have never been in that place but it sounds like a nice place to visit with my family and I am sure they are going to love and enjoy every activities that you mentioned above.
Lots of fun activities for the family! I personally want to try eating concrete. That would surprise a lot of folks lol.
It looks like such a beautiful town with a ton of things to do this time of year! I’d love to visit Missouri one day and will keep this in mind.
I’ve never been but it looks like a wonderful place. I just love the holidays!
Branson looks like a lot of fun during the holidays. Maybe we will get down there one day.
Oh my! I love Branson and just went for the first time in a few years and I can’t wait to go back and take my nieces and nephews!!
I just love Branson! I was here years ago. My husband and I got our vows renewed at the Titanic museum. We wished we had more time to explore it more. One day we’ll go back!
I’ve never visited Branson, Missouri during the Christmas season. It looks like a place that my family would love. I have to look into booking a trip.
There are a lot of interesting fun things for kids. As for me, I would like to see the sunset! It’s amazing: the lake and those wonderful colors!
I’ve never been there but it’s on my bucket list and I’m hoping to change that soon. It looks like there’s a lot of fun things for families. We’d probably start at Silver Dollar City.
I’ve heard Branson is a wonderful place. I would like to do these with our kids.
Love Branson. It’s been one of our fave places to visit pretty much any time of the year. My ONLY regret is never seeing Andy Williams perform during the Christmas holiday.
I’ve never been to Branson because I assumed it wasn’t for me. I’m rethinking that decision after reading about all the kid-friendly ways to spend time there. They all look interesting.
I have not had the chance to visit Missouri yet. They all sound like fabulous places to visit around the holidays. I would love to visit Silver Dollar City for the carriage rides and watch the sun set at Table Rock Lake for the scenery.
Branson is a very friendly place for kids and any age group. Your list is perfect and would be fun